Eicosanoid Synthesis by Human Urinary Bladder Mucosa: Pathological Implications

Summary— Biopsies of human urinary bladder mucosa obtained during cystoscopy were shown to release eicosanoids in the following order: prostacyclin (PGI₂), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), prostaglandin F_2x (PGF_2x) and thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂). The total and the relative amounts of eicosanoids released were similar to those reported for the rat urinary bladder. These eicosanoids may play a role in modulating the tone and contractility of the bladder as well as affecting cytoprotection of the mucosa. In view of the abundant release of eicosanoids by the bladder, caution must be exercised when considering urinary eicosanoid excretion as reflecting production by the systemic vasculature and/or the kidneys.